Archive for February, 2011

I like bringing back fortune cookies from London’s Chinatown. I shared some with students at school today – something new for them, and the reading the fortunes and thinking about their meanings made a nice change in the English class.

My one said: “You will be in a very good mood tomorrow.” Let’s hope so!

Every 15 minutes, clean, non-stop, efficient trains carry passengers between central London and Gatwick airport. Not having a car when travelling forces one to think about the different options of transport. I was pleased to see the many greener alternatives available in London, in fact many more than in my home town.

First of all, there is the congestion charge – effective since 2003 – which stops many motorists driving into central London, and has really made a difference in the horrendous traffic. This time round, I noticed these new electric hybrid double-deckers, which must be more environmentally-friendly, judging by the text on the side.

Another new initiave were these Barclay’s bikes that you could hire in many places in the centre.

We did most of our exploring on foot, but now it’s time to say good-bye to London once again – till we next meet again.

How lucky I am! I will have the chance to enjoy this precious time twice this year! There is something magical about the first faint touch of green on the deciduous trees. It’s the titillating anticipation of rebirth that I love about this time of year.

I enjoy personifying plants and trees, and keep imagining all kinds of shapes and creatures in them. This tree took the shape of an old hag, with crazy green hair, flailing multiple arms about 🙂

Back to travelling. Arriving at London Gatwick late at night, I had a feeling of being enveloped in a slightly futuristic ambience, while waiting for the airport shuttle. The metallic surroundings, lights and colours of airports often have this effect on me.